My Old Kentucky Podcast

Mayor Ben Baker Interview, Policing Update, and Legislative Session Fallout

Policing Update, Unemployment Pause, and New Candidates for Office

This week Robert and Jazmin talked about several topics in Kentucky government including the hiring of a new Kentucky State Police commissioner, the status of the officers who killed Breonna Taylor, a pause in the unemployment insurance system, and a check in on new candidates for office in 2022.

U.S. Congressman John Yarmuth

This episode features an interview with Congressman John Yarmuth, who serves the people of Jefferson County in Washington D.C.  He spoke to us about the American Rescue Plan Act and how it will be used in Kentucky, his experiences during the insurrection on January 6, Kentucky's response to COVID-19, and how he feels about serving in this Congress versus the previous years he's served in the federal legislature.  Congressman Yarmuth was very generous with his time and opinions, and we were very impressed with how frank many of his answers were -- we hope you enjoy the interview!
In addition, Jazmin and Robert dove deeper into the plan for the ARPA passed by the legislature last week, updated the protest movement in Louisville, and talked about COVID.

The 2021 Kentucky General Assembly Is Over

Jazmin and Robert discuss the end of the legislative session this week, focusing on Governor Beshear's overridden vetoes and the slew of last second bill passed by the legislature.  In addition, a COVID update and a short discussion on KY 120 United becoming an AFT union.

Chuck Corra and Big John Isner of Appodlachia, Plus Andy Beshear's Vetoes

This week we were excited to welcome Chuck Corra and Big John Isner, the hosts of Appodlachia.  They spoke to us about the role of Kentucky in the wider Appalachian context, as well as lots more about politics, culture, and whether or not Robert is allowed to by their "Unapologetically Appalachian" t-shirt.
Ahead of the interview, Robert and Jazmin discussed the veto period, where Andy Beshear has issued several vetoes already and is sure to issue several more.  The pair also discussed the bills left unpassed by the legislature currently, and did a COVID-19 update.

Jameson Cable of the Kentucky History Podcast & The Deluge of Crap at the End of the Session

Jameson Cable of the Kentucky History Podcast joined Robert this week to talk about his show and the importance of history education.  Kentucky History Podcast is great, and if you like MOKP, you should definitely check them out as well!
Everything in the legislative session except the two days after the veto session has now concluded.  LuTisha Buckner joined Robert to talk through more than a dozen bad bills (as well as a few good ones).

Ivy Brashear on Appalchian Identity + Legislative Update

This week, we welcomed Ivy Brashear to our show.  She works for the Mountain Association and writes essays about Appalachian identity.  She talked to us about Appalachian identity in Kentucky, and how it impacts our entire state.  It's a thoughtful conversation that you'll definitely want to hear!
Jazmin and Robert also did a legislative update, discussed the impeachment committee, and discussed the current state of COVID-19 in Kentucky.

Open Records Shenanegans, Abortion Amendments, and JCPS Reopens

Jazmin and Robert discuss the ongoing Kentucky General Assembly and several of the bills making their way through the process, including a bill allowing the Attorney General to prosecute protestors, major changes to the open records law, changes to voting rights, and a constitutional amendment to end abortion in Kentucky.  Also discussed are the reopening of JCPS and a COVID-19 update.

Rep. McKenzie Cantrell on Unemployment, Robert Stivers and West Louisville, and the End of Impeachment

This week on the show, Rep. McKenzie Cantrell joins us to talk about her work to reform Kentucky's Unemployment Insurance system in the wake of the pandemic.  She walks us through the changes she's seeking to make, and her attempts to get the Republican majority to take up this issue.
Robert and Jazmin also discuss two bills from Robert Stivers which specifically impact Black people in Louisville -- his no-knock warrant ban, and a TIF district he wants to establish in west Louisville.  Other segments include the End of Impeachment, an update on the COVID-19 lawsuits, and the state of COVID in Kentucky.

Healthcare with Cara Stewart, Historic Horse Racing, and Mitch McConnell's role in impeachment acquital

This week, Cara Stewart joined us to talk about healthcare policy in Kentucky.  The conversation ranged from the extraordinary open enrollment period to the situation with Kentucky's *6* MCOs.  If you care about healthcare policy, don't miss it!
Jazmin and Robert also talked about the passage of the Historic Horse Racing bill, Mitch McConnell's role in the second impeachment of Donald Trump, the situation around reopening JCPS schools in Louisville, and a COVID update.